Auto Accidents Caused by High Winds: Seeking Compensation

By Michael Verna on December 12, 2017

Injuries that result from a car accident are usually caused by the collision itself. But it is important to look at the cause of the accident when making a demand for compensation for those injuries.

One possible overlooked cause of a car accident is wind speed. Auto accidents involving high winds can cause serious injuries. When driving in high wind conditions, it is important to take extra safety precautions because high winds increase the risk of risk being blown off the road or losing control of the vehicle.

When an accident is caused by high winds, it takes specialized legal knowledge to make an appropriate demand for damages. An auto accident lawyer helps you recover damages. For a case evaluation, contact Bowles & Verna LLP, serving San Francisco, CA and San Jose, CA.

What Is a High Wind Accident?

Winds reaching speeds of 40 mph or more are considered high winds. Driving in these conditions is difficult, because the wind tends to push cars around on the road, making it more difficult for the driver to maintain control of the vehicle.

Some tips that will help prevent an accident during a high wind weather event include:

Keep your distance from other cars. Chances are, if you are experiencing difficulty driving, other drivers are having that same difficulty. Maintaining a safe distance between your vehicle and others on the road will help you avoid an accident.

Avoid driving through water or power lines that have been knocked down during a storm. While some areas may appear safe to cross, water depth is hard to gauge and is often miscalculated. This is especially true when winds are blowing standing water, making it tough to see where the water ends and begins.

When winds die down, remain vigilant with your driving pattern. The weather is unpredictable, and the winds may begin again without notice.

Even when all safety precautions are taken and responsible driving habits are employed, an accident can still happen. Not all drivers take care to give themselves extra time or space when the weather demands it, and it is these drivers that often cause an accident.

If you have been in an accident when weather was a factor, it is critical to have your case examined by a qualified attorney for causation. Once causation is determined and established, an appropriate demand for reimbursement can be made.

Determining Causation in a High Winds Auto Accident

As with any car accident, the responsible party is the one obligated to pay for damages. But determining fault is difficult, especially when weather plays a role in the wreck.

Attorneys will conduct a careful analysis of the factors leading to the accident. They will also interview witnesses to the crash. Skilled personal injury attorneys will work to find evidence favorable to your case, and present it in a way that maximizes your recovery.

Who to Ask for Help with an Auto Accident Involving High Winds

The legal team at Bowles & Verna LLP has experience representing people injured in accidents. We thoroughly explore every avenue of recovery so you are able to receive full and fair compensation for all of your injuries. Contact us online or call our office at (925) 935-3300.